Ice dance is a discipline of figure skating that is under the “mixed” category at the Olympic Games. Ice dance was introduced at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in 1952 and introduced into the Olympic Games in 1976. U.S. Figure Skating has grown to be one of the most successful countries in the discipline, earning seven Olympic medals and 40 World medals.
Ice dance couples are comprised of a man and a woman. Unlike pairs skating which features overhead lifts and jumps, ice dance is based on different aspects of dance. Historically, it had drawn inspiration from ballroom dance, but in the modern era it has grown to more modern styles including hip-hop. The emphasis in ice dance is on rhythm, interpretation of the music, and precision in steps, partnering and technicality of skating skills. The beauty of the discipline lies in the limitless creativity, choreography, theatricality and innovation of elements and the program.
For more information about ice dance, please visit the ice dance rules and resources page.
